# Max Steiner

> Austrian-born American music composer and conductor (1888–1971)

**Wikidata**: [Q350704](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q350704)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Steiner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/max-steiner

## Summary
Max Steiner was an Austrian-born American composer and conductor (1888–1971) known for his work in film scoring, opera, and orchestral composition. He is celebrated for his contributions to Hollywood cinema, particularly his iconic scores for films like *King Kong* (1933) and *Gone with the Wind* (1939), which remain culturally significant.

## Biography
- Born: 1888 (exact date unknown)
- Nationality: Austrian (later American)
- Education: University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (attended)
- Known for: Pioneering film scoring and orchestral works
- Employer(s): RCA Victor (record label)
- Field(s): Composition, conducting, film scoring

## Contributions
Max Steiner composed numerous film scores, including:
- *King Kong* (1933) – A landmark in film music, featuring the famous "King Kong Theme."
- *Gone with the Wind* (1939) – His orchestral score enhanced the film's emotional impact.
- *The Invisible Man* (1933) – A haunting score that contributed to the film's suspense.
He also conducted and composed for operas and orchestral works, though his film work is his most enduring legacy.

## FAQs
**What was Max Steiner's most famous work?**
Max Steiner is best known for his film scores, particularly *King Kong* (1933) and *Gone with the Wind* (1939), which are considered classics in cinematic music.

**Where did Max Steiner study?**
He attended the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he honed his skills in composition and conducting.

**Did Max Steiner work with other composers?**
Yes, he collaborated with filmmakers and other composers, though his individual contributions to film scores are his most notable achievements.

**What awards did Max Steiner receive?**
He earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his impact on the film industry.

## Why They Matter
Max Steiner revolutionized film scoring by elevating it to an art form, blending orchestral music with narrative. His work set the standard for future composers, influencing generations of film score creators. Without Steiner, Hollywood's golden age of film music would lack its emotional depth and innovation.

## Notable For
- Composed the iconic "King Kong Theme" for *King Kong* (1933).
- Scored *Gone with the Wind* (1939), enhancing its dramatic impact.
- Conducted and composed for operas and orchestral works.
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960).
- Worked with RCA Victor, a major record label of the era.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Max Steiner was born in 1888 in Austria-Hungary. He studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he developed his skills in composition and conducting. His early training laid the foundation for his later work in film and opera.

### Career in Film and Opera
Steiner began his career in film scoring in the 1930s, working on notable projects such as *King Kong* (1933) and *Gone with the Wind* (1939). His orchestral scores became synonymous with the films, elevating them to new heights of emotional resonance. He also conducted and composed for operas, though his film work remains his most enduring legacy.

### Collaborations and Influence
Steiner collaborated with filmmakers and other composers, though his individual contributions to film scores are his most notable achievements. His work with RCA Victor helped popularize his compositions, reaching a wide audience. He influenced future composers, including Leigh Harline and Bernard Herrmann, who carried forward his legacy in film music.

### Legacy and Recognition
Max Steiner earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, recognizing his contributions to the film industry. His scores for *King Kong* and *Gone with the Wind* remain culturally significant, showcasing his ability to merge music with narrative. Steiner's work continues to inspire composers, ensuring his place in the history of film music.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Musicalics
4. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1936)
5. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1943)
6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1945)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. MusicBrainz
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. Discogs
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. SNAC
14. Internet Broadway Database
15. Find a Grave
16. filmportal.de
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1935)
19. IdRef
20. CONOR.SI
21. BBC Things
22. The Movie Database
23. The LiederNet Archive
24. [Source](http://www.musiklexikon.ac.at/ml/ml-beacon.txt)
25. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
26. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/max-steiner)